Philly Travel Guys (1 Viewer)

[Statorama]

Hoping the PA travel guys can help an old man (and the woman he doesn't deserve) spend their money wisely on a trip out to see the sites in Philadelphia this summer.

I've been itching to see the touristy stuff in the Philly city center for a while now. The bell, Independence Hall, the whole Shabaz. I'm kind of embarrassed that I'm this old and I've never been there. I plan on taking care of that this summer.

PA seems to have a pretty good public transportation system, and getting downtown seems easy enough from many locations. Train ride to 30th and Market / Bus to the bell (or a walk from Market if we feel so inclined). My wife and I aren't bougie, so riding the train/bus isn't a problem and is (in a way) part of the experience.

I looked into staying downtown, and eyechee wow wah it is not conducive to those on a road trip/parking (which would be true of any major downtown city). I'd rather use that money more effectively. So I think staying somewhere in the burbs along the train route might not only save money, but also present an opportunity to explore other areas of PA a little bit (and sprinkle some cash to some small businesses).

My question to the PA gang is - what is a nice spot along the train route to find a hotel and setup camp at? It'd be nice to spend a couple of days in a nice area with some solid restaurants, brew pubs, or just someplace cool to walk around - and then hop on the train and go downtown when we felt like it. I'd rather pour some tourist money into a cool local spot than burn it in the city proper.

Oh, I'll spend some money downtown for sure. As a tourist I'm legally bound to buy a street vendor pretzel and find a shady place to get a "real" Cheesesteak as I visit the historical sites. I consider that money already spent. I'd just really like my wife and I to have a cool local experience as well.

One caveat - Since I'll have my wife with me, safety is a consideration. We grew up in Chicago so we're no daisies, but that doesn't mean we want to be skipping through Darby at 11pm.

Thanks!

 

[Jaysus]

Conshohocken

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Hoping the PA travel guys can help an old man (and the woman he doesn't deserve) spend their money wisely on a trip out to see the sites in Philadelphia this summer.

I've been itching to see the touristy stuff in the Philly city center for a while now. The bell, Independence Hall, the whole Shabaz. I'm kind of embarrassed that I'm this old and I've never been there. I plan on taking care of that this summer.

PA seems to have a pretty good public transportation system, and getting downtown seems easy enough from many locations. Train ride to 30th and Market / Bus to the bell (or a walk from Market if we feel so inclined). My wife and I aren't bougie, so riding the train/bus isn't a problem and is (in a way) part of the experience.

I looked into staying downtown, and eyechee wow wah it is not conducive to those on a road trip/parking (which would be true of any major downtown city). I'd rather use that money more effectively. So I think staying somewhere in the burbs along the train route might not only save money, but also present an opportunity to explore other areas of PA a little bit (and sprinkle some cash to some small businesses).

My question to the PA gang is - what is a nice spot along the train route to find a hotel and setup camp at? It'd be nice to spend a couple of days in a nice area with some solid restaurants, brew pubs, or just someplace cool to walk around - and then hop on the train and go downtown when we felt like it. I'd rather pour some tourist money into a cool local spot than burn it in the city proper.

Oh, I'll spend some money downtown for sure. As a tourist I'm legally bound to buy a street vendor pretzel and find a shady place to get a "real" Cheesesteak as I visit the historical sites. I consider that money already spent. I'd just really like my wife and I to have a cool local experience as well.

One caveat - Since I'll have my wife with me, safety is a consideration. We grew up in Chicago so we're no daisies, but that doesn't mean we want to be skipping through Darby at 11pm.

Thanks!

I would post this in the Eagles thread. Deamon will get pissed because ITS NOT EAGLES RELATED but the others will help you out I’d think

 

[Jaysus]

Conshohocken

Be sure to stop in Manayunk on your way in or out of Center City.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Conshohocken

:winner:

 

[Zow]

Agree with Conshochocken.

Be sure to hit up Angelo's or John's Roast Pork for a cheesesteak.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Media is a little farther away than Conshy, but still not too bad and I think it would fit the bill.

You can also check on hotels along the main line (Wynnewood in the east through a bunch of towns down Lancaster/Montgomery Avenue to like Malvern in the west). I doubt there would be much that's not expensive, but it's possible and places like Ardmore, Wayne, etc. have some nice stuff.

I don't think that the train service is up in West Chester yet, otherwise I would probably make that the number 1 choice.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Once you hit 30th Street, I'd walk. At 22nd Street make a left and hit the Franklin Institute and then keep going until you hit the Parkway and check out the Art Museum (Rocky statue). The Liberty Bell is around 5th Street so I wouldn't want to walk from 30th Street to there. Plenty of nice hotels around 15th and Market and some really good places to eat and drink downtown.

 

[kupcho1]

You might have better luck if you retitle this thread Philly guys.
As Carville said, Pennsylvania is Pittsburgh, Philly and Alabama in the middle.

 

[belljr]

I would just drive and park into the city. It's not super crazy and public transportation is teh suck.

 

[belljr]

Heck you could stay at the new casino by the ballpark and drive in or take septa from there

There is nothing else around the stadiums but thats also an option

 

[Long Ball Larry]

I would just drive and park into the city. It's not super crazy and public transportation is teh suck.

kind of agree with this. not that hard to drive compared to like NY or DC and while I wouldnt say the transport is teh suck, when it comes to trains out to the suburbs, they don't run frequently enough for my liking usually and end up boxing in my time. Other than the possible drinking issue, I would agree with driving.

 

[SouthJersey]

Philly public transportation isn't at the level of other big cities such as NYC, DC, or Chicago. The only similarity is the level of grossness.

 

[pecorino]

Maybe an Air BNB in Doylestown near the SEPTA station? Doylestown is nice in and of itself, it would make a good home base. I like the train, though. It’s about an hour ride into the city so might not be what you’re looking for. But you’d get the best of both worlds, urban and suburban.

 

[Statorama]

Thanks for all the great advice guys! Hadn't considered the AirBnB route, as they might have a set parking space for some of them, and would be more of a "neighborhoody" vibe than a hotel.

Are there any small-business FBG's in Philly? I loved Tipsy's spot in New Orleans, and if I can have a good time and help out a fellow FBG at the same time, that's a double plus.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Media is a little farther away than Conshy, but still not too bad and I think it would fit the bill.

You can also check on hotels along the main line (Wynnewood in the east through a bunch of towns down Lancaster/Montgomery Avenue to like Malvern in the west). I doubt there would be much that's not expensive, but it's possible and places like Ardmore, Wayne, etc. have some nice stuff.

I don't think that the train service is up in West Chester yet, otherwise I would probably make that the number 1 choice.

I was gonna suggest Ardmore, Bryn Mawr or Wayne if the price tag wasn’t prohibitive. All are walkable, all have train stations that go into the city and all have decent shopping/restaurants.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Heck you could stay at the new casino by the ballpark and drive in or take septa from there

There is nothing else around the stadiums but thats also an option

My favorite Italian restaurant is a few blocks from the stadium (Scanniccios).

 

[Osaurus]

I love staying in Center City, but maybe that’s just me

 

[Statorama]

I love staying in Center City, but maybe that’s just me

It's the cost of parking at the hotels that gives me pause. 40-65 bucks a night buys a hot pretzels and cold brews.

I've watched a couple of walking tour videos of Philly and Center City looks like a good time. I think we're going to have a blast.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Wife and I will be spending a long weekend in Philly for a Kings of Leon concert in September. Neither one of us has been to Philly before, so looking for some recommendations from the locals.

We get in Saturday morning, and the concert isn't until Monday night, so we'll have practically the whole weekend to do whatever.

Right now, we're scheduled to stay at the Canopy By Hilton Center City. So, first off, thoughts on that place, as far as quality and proximity to things to do? We won't have a car, so we'll be looking to walk as much as possible and use Uber to cover the rest.

We also looked at these other hotels as potential options:

Marriott Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn
Hyatt Centric

Would any of these be a better choice? Location is probably our number one consideration.

Beyond that, what should we do? And maybe more importantly, what isn't worth our time? Loved Washington DC when we went there a long time ago, but I'm guessing the historical touristy stuff in Philly is nowhere near what DC has to offer?

How about a nice dinner place? And breakfast place? Any cool bars that we have to go to? We're more into hitting places that the locals go, not the big tourist traps.

TIA. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Wife and I will be spending a long weekend in Philly for a Kings of Leon concert in September. Neither one of us has been to Philly before, so looking for some recommendations from the locals.

We get in Saturday morning, and the concert isn't until Monday night, so we'll have practically the whole weekend to do whatever.

Right now, we're scheduled to stay at the Canopy By Hilton Center City. So, first off, thoughts on that place, as far as quality and proximity to things to do? We won't have a car, so we'll be looking to walk as much as possible and use Uber to cover the rest.

We also looked at these other hotels as potential options:

Marriott Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn
Hyatt Centric

Would any of these be a better choice? Location is probably our number one consideration.

Beyond that, what should we do? And maybe more importantly, what isn't worth our time? Loved Washington DC when we went there a long time ago, but I'm guessing the historical touristy stuff in Philly is nowhere near what DC has to offer?

How about a nice dinner place? And breakfast place? Any cool bars that we have to go to? We're more into hitting places that the locals go, not the big tourist traps.

TIA. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Where is the show?

I’m not sure that it’s true that there is less historical stuff than DC. DC has probably has more cultural and educational type stuff, but actual history I think Philly might be close.

That hotel is right near reading terminal market, which is definitely worth checking out and has several breakfast options (unless you want a real sit down restaurant)

Mcgillins is near that hotel, which would be a good bar if you want an authentic experience with rude drunk Philadelphians.

For beer bars near there, monks is an institution and Strangeloves is pretty good.

Vedge is a good and nice restaurant that is all plant-based, if you are into that.

Estia is really good if you are open to Greek.

Fergies is pretty good as a local bar also.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Wife and I will be spending a long weekend in Philly for a Kings of Leon concert in September. Neither one of us has been to Philly before, so looking for some recommendations from the locals.

We get in Saturday morning, and the concert isn't until Monday night, so we'll have practically the whole weekend to do whatever.

Right now, we're scheduled to stay at the Canopy By Hilton Center City. So, first off, thoughts on that place, as far as quality and proximity to things to do? We won't have a car, so we'll be looking to walk as much as possible and use Uber to cover the rest.

We also looked at these other hotels as potential options:

Marriott Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn
Hyatt Centric

Would any of these be a better choice? Location is probably our number one consideration.

Beyond that, what should we do? And maybe more importantly, what isn't worth our time? Loved Washington DC when we went there a long time ago, but I'm guessing the historical touristy stuff in Philly is nowhere near what DC has to offer?

How about a nice dinner place? And breakfast place? Any cool bars that we have to go to? We're more into hitting places that the locals go, not the big tourist traps.

TIA. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Where is the show?

I’m not sure that it’s true that there is less historical stuff than DC. DC has probably has more cultural and educational type stuff, but actual history I think Philly might be close.

That hotel is right near reading terminal market, which is definitely worth checking out and has several breakfast options (unless you want a real sit down restaurant)

Mcgillins is near that hotel, which would be a good bar if you want an authentic experience with rude drunk Philadelphians.

For beer bars near there, monks is an institution and Strangeloves is pretty good.

Vedge is a good and nice restaurant that is all plant-based, if you are into that.

Estia is really good if you are open to Greek.

Fergies is pretty good as a local bar also.

Thanks!

Show is at the Pavilion at the Mann or something. We'd probably be interested in some bar recommendations in that area too, as we'll likely want to head down there during the day to pregame.

 

[belljr]

For upscale Mexican food. Tequilas is not far from monks. Frits at monks are awesome

 

[belljr]

Wife and I will be spending a long weekend in Philly for a Kings of Leon concert in September. Neither one of us has been to Philly before, so looking for some recommendations from the locals.

We get in Saturday morning, and the concert isn't until Monday night, so we'll have practically the whole weekend to do whatever.

Right now, we're scheduled to stay at the Canopy By Hilton Center City. So, first off, thoughts on that place, as far as quality and proximity to things to do? We won't have a car, so we'll be looking to walk as much as possible and use Uber to cover the rest.

We also looked at these other hotels as potential options:

Marriott Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn
Hyatt Centric

Would any of these be a better choice? Location is probably our number one consideration.

Beyond that, what should we do? And maybe more importantly, what isn't worth our time? Loved Washington DC when we went there a long time ago, but I'm guessing the historical touristy stuff in Philly is nowhere near what DC has to offer?

How about a nice dinner place? And breakfast place? Any cool bars that we have to go to? We're more into hitting places that the locals go, not the big tourist traps.

TIA. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Where is the show?

I’m not sure that it’s true that there is less historical stuff than DC. DC has probably has more cultural and educational type stuff, but actual history I think Philly might be close.

That hotel is right near reading terminal market, which is definitely worth checking out and has several breakfast options (unless you want a real sit down restaurant)

Mcgillins is near that hotel, which would be a good bar if you want an authentic experience with rude drunk Philadelphians.

For beer bars near there, monks is an institution and Strangeloves is pretty good.

Vedge is a good and nice restaurant that is all plant-based, if you are into that.

Estia is really good if you are open to Greek.

Fergies is pretty good as a local bar also.

Thanks!

Show is at the Pavilion at the Mann or something. We'd probably be interested in some bar recommendations in that area too, as we'll likely want to head down there during the day to pregame.

Oh that's not even "in the city"

 

[BeTheMatch]

Wife and I will be spending a long weekend in Philly for a Kings of Leon concert in September. Neither one of us has been to Philly before, so looking for some recommendations from the locals.

We get in Saturday morning, and the concert isn't until Monday night, so we'll have practically the whole weekend to do whatever.

Right now, we're scheduled to stay at the Canopy By Hilton Center City. So, first off, thoughts on that place, as far as quality and proximity to things to do? We won't have a car, so we'll be looking to walk as much as possible and use Uber to cover the rest.

We also looked at these other hotels as potential options:

Marriott Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn
Hyatt Centric

Would any of these be a better choice? Location is probably our number one consideration.

Beyond that, what should we do? And maybe more importantly, what isn't worth our time? Loved Washington DC when we went there a long time ago, but I'm guessing the historical touristy stuff in Philly is nowhere near what DC has to offer?

How about a nice dinner place? And breakfast place? Any cool bars that we have to go to? We're more into hitting places that the locals go, not the big tourist traps.

TIA. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Where is the show?

I’m not sure that it’s true that there is less historical stuff than DC. DC has probably has more cultural and educational type stuff, but actual history I think Philly might be close.

That hotel is right near reading terminal market, which is definitely worth checking out and has several breakfast options (unless you want a real sit down restaurant)

Mcgillins is near that hotel, which would be a good bar if you want an authentic experience with rude drunk Philadelphians.

For beer bars near there, monks is an institution and Strangeloves is pretty good.

Vedge is a good and nice restaurant that is all plant-based, if you are into that.

Estia is really good if you are open to Greek.

Fergies is pretty good as a local bar also.

Thanks!

Show is at the Pavilion at the Mann or something. We'd probably be interested in some bar recommendations in that area too, as we'll likely want to head down there during the day to pregame.

Oh that's not even "in the city"

Right. I'm hoping it's not in an industrial park or something.

 

[belljr]

Wife and I will be spending a long weekend in Philly for a Kings of Leon concert in September. Neither one of us has been to Philly before, so looking for some recommendations from the locals.

We get in Saturday morning, and the concert isn't until Monday night, so we'll have practically the whole weekend to do whatever.

Right now, we're scheduled to stay at the Canopy By Hilton Center City. So, first off, thoughts on that place, as far as quality and proximity to things to do? We won't have a car, so we'll be looking to walk as much as possible and use Uber to cover the rest.

We also looked at these other hotels as potential options:

Marriott Downtown
Hilton Garden Inn
Hyatt Centric

Would any of these be a better choice? Location is probably our number one consideration.

Beyond that, what should we do? And maybe more importantly, what isn't worth our time? Loved Washington DC when we went there a long time ago, but I'm guessing the historical touristy stuff in Philly is nowhere near what DC has to offer?

How about a nice dinner place? And breakfast place? Any cool bars that we have to go to? We're more into hitting places that the locals go, not the big tourist traps.

TIA. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Where is the show?

I’m not sure that it’s true that there is less historical stuff than DC. DC has probably has more cultural and educational type stuff, but actual history I think Philly might be close.

That hotel is right near reading terminal market, which is definitely worth checking out and has several breakfast options (unless you want a real sit down restaurant)

Mcgillins is near that hotel, which would be a good bar if you want an authentic experience with rude drunk Philadelphians.

For beer bars near there, monks is an institution and Strangeloves is pretty good.

Vedge is a good and nice restaurant that is all plant-based, if you are into that.

Estia is really good if you are open to Greek.

Fergies is pretty good as a local bar also.

Thanks!

Show is at the Pavilion at the Mann or something. We'd probably be interested in some bar recommendations in that area too, as we'll likely want to head down there during the day to pregame.

Oh that's not even "in the city"

Right. I'm hoping it's not in an industrial park or something.

Lol...nah it's in Fairmont park. Been awhile though

 

[GroveDiesel]

For things to do, the Liberty Bell is hugely overrated, but Independence Hall and the Constitution Center there are both well worth it IMO. Elfreth’s Alley is a cool street to walk down as it’s one of the oldest residential streets in the nation.

Hard not to recommend going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’d be on your way to the Mann so you could even head to the museum and then to the Mann. If nothing else, you could stop to do the touristy photos with the Rocky statue there and run up the museum steps.

Philadelphia’s City Hall is a really cool looking building and if you head there Love Park is right there with its iconic LOVE sign.

I second Reading Terminal Market. Fun spot with a ton of energy and a ton of spots to grab something cheap-ish to eat. A cheesesteak and/or a roast pork at Dinics there is quintessential Philly and really good.

If you want to splurge on a meal, the views at Jean-Georges and Sky High are amazing as they are on the 59th and 60th floors of Comcast 2 which is the tallest building in Philadelphia.

If you’re nearby, Franklin Fountain is a fun old fashioned ice cream spot. Often long lines and crowded, but the ice cream is pretty good and the old fashioned atmosphere is fun.

 

[belljr]

I love Mgillins in the winter, fireplace and a good soup special.....

Yeah Art Museum is nice and the rocky stuff.

If you fancy a cheese steak skip pat or genos..... Jims on south street is my preferred. I'm sure others will chime in

Eta: used to work in the city but outside of south Philly haven't been in center in probably 10 years fwiw

 

[Alex P Keaton]

For things to do, the Liberty Bell is hugely overrated, but Independence Hall and the Constitution Center there are both well worth it IMO. Elfreth’s Alley is a cool street to walk down as it’s one of the oldest residential streets in the nation.

Hard not to recommend going to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’d be on your way to the Mann so you could even head to the museum and then to the Mann. If nothing else, you could stop to do the touristy photos with the Rocky statue there and run up the museum steps.

Philadelphia’s City Hall is a really cool looking building and if you head there Love Park is right there with its iconic LOVE sign.

I second Reading Terminal Market. Fun spot with a ton of energy and a ton of spots to grab something cheap-ish to eat. A cheesesteak and/or a roast pork at Dinics there is quintessential Philly and really good.

If you want to splurge on a meal, the views at Jean-Georges and Sky High are amazing as they are on the 59th and 60th floors of Comcast 2 which is the tallest building in Philadelphia.

If you’re nearby, Franklin Fountain is a fun old fashioned ice cream spot. Often long lines and crowded, but the ice cream is pretty good and the old fashioned atmosphere is fun.

Good list!!! Did a bunch of this stuff w my wife and kids last summer. Everyone loved Independence Hall, Museum of Art, Elfreth’s Alley, and of course Reading Terminal Market.

We stayed in Wayne - which worked well enough for us, but honestly with how traffic was, I found it annoying to drive back and forth. We could have taken the train, but meh. I’m used to mass transit, but the schedules really weren’t that convenient and compared to being used to the NY subway and the El in Chicago, I don’t enjoy Philly transportation.

A couple days in Philly was plenty for my family, FWIW. But we had a great time.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

And breakfast place?

I really enjoy the brunch at Parc on Rittenhouse Square. (And I have a soft spot for it because one of those brunches was the last time I saw my father before he died.)

 

[GroveDiesel]

I love Mgillins in the winter, fireplace and a good soup special.....

Yeah Art Museum is nice and the rocky stuff.

If you fancy a cheese steak skip pat or genos..... Jims on south street is my preferred. I'm sure others will chime in

Eta: used to work in the city but outside of south Philly haven't been in center in probably 10 years fwiw

FWIW, Jim’s isn’t the same restaurant anymore. It burned down a few years ago and was a mess rebuilding. The spot got sold and there is/was a lawsuit because the original folks claim that the new guys were specifically barred from calling it Jim’s.

It JUST re-opened, but I wouldn’t expect it to be the same as it was.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

For cheesesteaks, in Philly, I’m partial to John’s Roast Pork, Tony Luke’s and Steve’s Prince of Steaks. In NJ, Pat’s Pizza/Pat’s Select, which is not the same as the tourist trap place in South Philly (as one of the Amazing Race teams this season found out unwittingly.)

 

[belljr]

I love Mgillins in the winter, fireplace and a good soup special.....

Yeah Art Museum is nice and the rocky stuff.

If you fancy a cheese steak skip pat or genos..... Jims on south street is my preferred. I'm sure others will chime in

Eta: used to work in the city but outside of south Philly haven't been in center in probably 10 years fwiw

FWIW, Jim’s isn’t the same restaurant anymore. It burned down a few years ago and was a mess rebuilding. The spot got sold and there is/was a lawsuit because the original folks claim that the new guys were specifically barred from calling it Jim’s.

It JUST re-opened, but I wouldn’t expect it to be the same as it was.

I totally forgot that that caught on fire. It's been so long for me